Government refuses to support families and babies in extending paid parental leave

The National Party has voted this afternoon to prevent families from having more paid time at home with our youngest citizens with the vetoing of Sue Mahoney’s Bill to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks.

Rebecca Mathews-Heron, spokesperson for the 26 for Babies campaign coalition commented “To not support paid time at home for families with babies is a major error in judgement by the Government. More paid time at home with newborns is widely supported by Kiwi families,

“Unaffordability does not stack up as an argument against extending more paid time at home with babies when much greater amounts are found for other policies. This decision is about this Governments priorities. This Government has failed to prioritise what is best for babies and their families,

“Our children deserve the best start possible. The facts prove that health outcomes are better when babies have more time with their primary caregivers. The Government has lost an opportunity to ensure all kiwi kids get a fair start – they have the wrong priorities,” Mathews-Heron said

ENDS

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